How to wear puffer jackets and vests
Whether you’re staying warm at base camp or bundling up to explore the city, the right puffer jacket is a must.
The puffer is a timeless classic, yet how exactly should it fit? And what should you wear with it? If you have questions about puffer jackets and vests, we have the answers.
When should I wear a puffer jacket?
Puffer jackets are perfect for everyday wear, camping and all types of cold weather activities thanks to their warm synthetic or down insulation. Whether you’ve just bought a jacket or are searching for new ways to wear your well-worn staple, we’ve got you covered.
How should a puffer jacket fit?
Although it varies across different styles and activities, a puffer jacket should generally feel snug but not tight. It should be tight enough to block cold air from getting in, but not so tight that it restricts movement.
When trying on a puffer, check to see if it feels tight across your chest, arms and shoulders. As a test, zip up the jacket and try raising your arms. If your stomach shows, it’s too small (unless you are trying on a cropped version). You can also try giving yourself a hug to double-check whether or not you have enough room around the arms, shoulders and chest.
The North Face Top Tip: If you plan on wearing your puffer over other thick layers like hoodies and sweatshirts, it’s worth trying them on together while you do your fit tests.
What to wear with a puffer jacket
A worry for many people when they wear puffer jackets is that they add a lot of volume. If you want to avoid this, try balancing it out with contrasting slimmer layers like t-shirts and tank tops. A lighter layer underneath the jacket can also be helpful when temperatures change throughout the day.
Leggings and narrow or fitted pants are great ways to contrast the puffiness. For casual comfort, finish with sneakers. A crossbody bag is a practical accessory for when you’re out running errands or exploring abroad.
For down puffers, it can be helpful to consider fill power. Jackets and vests with higher fill-power ratings tend to be puffier. For example, our 1996 Retro Nuptse Jackets use 700-fill down, while our Hydrenalite™ Hoodies use 600-fill down.
How to pack a puffer jacket
One of the best things about many of our insulated and down jackets is their ability to stow in their own pocket or stuffsack. Although there are different ways to do this, the best method is to simply stuff the jacket in without folding or rolling it in any specific way. This helps to make sure that you don’t put stress on the seams or the same patches of filling every time. Alternatively, if you are getting too warm when hiking, you can easily just pack them away in your backpack.
However, it’s important to note that this should not be a long-term storage solution. It’s great for traveling but once at home, make sure you hang your jacket and let it air out.
When should I wear a puffer vest?
Puffer vests are truly versatile. Whether for active days or everyday wear, they are ideal during the “shoulder seasons” of spring and fall.
How to wear a puffer vest
For effortless layering, pair your vest with a loose-fit sweater or long-sleeve shirt and some wide-leg pants. Add a beanie for extra warmth in colder temperatures.
For outdoor exploration, layer up with leggings and a long-sleeved tee or a slim-fit, full-zip hoodie. For a relaxed, après ski aesthetic, puffer vests can be worn with sweatpants or joggers with cuffed ankles.
If you’re traveling or hanging out around town, a tote is a practical addition.
The North Face puffers
By far our most popular puffer jacket is the iconic Nuptse. Each season, you’ll find Nuptse jackets in a variety of colors and styles including classic fits, cropped lengths and parkas.